Ophthalmic Laser Patient Interface With Anti-Clog Vacuum Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices for ophthalmic laser surgery face issues with vacuum clogging due to the conjunctival membrane, leading to reduced vacuum, fluid drainage, and bubble formation, which interfere with the laser beam.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with a suction enhancer and vacuum port design that prevents vacuum clogging by maintaining a uniform vacuum and fluid containment, using a lever mechanism for secure assembly and a suction enhancer to prevent conjunctival membrane interference, along with a fluid reservoir to match refractive indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum port is provided for suction, then fluid containment and bubble removal are improved, but the vacuum port becomes clogged by the conjunctival membrane reducing vacuum effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum port is divided into multiple separate ports distributed around the lower assembly, so that if one port becomes clogged by the conjunctival membrane, other ports remain open and functional, maintaining overall vacuum effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The suction enhancer provides localized improved suction capability at specific regions of the lower assembly, creating areas of enhanced vacuum pressure that can prevent or overcome clogging by the conjunctival membrane in certain vacuum port regions
2Ease of operation
If the lower assembly is designed to engage the eye, then patient interface is improved, but fluid leakage and bubble formation occur interfering with laser beam
Solution Approach 1:
A vacuum system with multiple vacuum ports and a suction enhancer is used to create negative pressure that holds the lower assembly securely against the eye while preventing fluid leakage and bubble formation, ensuring clear laser beam transmission through the interface device
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pressure parameters are optimized to maintain a stable seal between the lower assembly and the eye, preventing fluid leakage and bubble formation while ensuring proper patient interface and laser beam transmission
3Stability of the object's composition
If a suction enhancer is added to prevent clogging, then vacuum stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction enhancer is implemented as a simple structural feature integrated into the lower assembly rather than a complex mechanical device, providing vacuum stability through multiple vacuum ports and localized suction enhancement without significantly increasing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device maintains a stable vacuum and prevents fluid leakage and bubble formation, ensuring clear laser beam transmission by enhancing suction and fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source removes the gas from the enclosed volume
Implementation Method 2
a suction enhancer that faces the portion and is positioned further from a centroid of the volume of space than the portion
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device for use with a laser surgery apparatus, the device including an upper assembly and a lower assembly attached to the upper assembly. The device including a spherical-like object that engages the lower assembly so that an enclosed volume is defined between the spherical-like object, the lower assembly and the upper assembly, wherein a first liquid substantially fills the enclosed volume. The device further including a channel that contains a second fluid that is exposed to ambient atmosphere.